Dear Book Nerd #12: Let Your Reading Flag Fly

Hello, and welcome to the Dear Book Nerd podcast! Put your feet up, grab a beverage, and settle in to listen to some bookish banter. My guest co-host this week is the fabulous Amanda Nelson, who is an editor of Book Riot and a smart, smart lady. We discuss a bunch of interesting topics, such as: how to start a book blog that stands out, how to successfully read more than one book at a time, and whether or not adults should be ashamed to read YA. (Short answer: NO.) Have a listen and enjoy!

I love all things books, and have for years upon years upon years. I remember the horribly awkward parent teacher conferences (every year, mind you) where the teacher would explain to my mother that I was reading under the table. Again. I’ve worked at a bookstore for 6 years, and I read somewhere between 50-100 books a year. I have recently started to get into bookish social media more, and it has opened up this wonderful world of OTHER BOOKISH PEOPLE JUST LIKE ME! (I knew you existed, I just knew it!) I really want to get more involved, though, and this leads me to my question. I have been trying to start a book blog for months, but I get so incredibly overwhelmed every time I start. What are the best things to keep in mind to start a book blog and make it work long-term? Do I have to review *every* book I read? Sometimes I just don’t want to! How long is it okay to have 0 followers before you give up? (JK. Don’t ever give up!) If I come up with a cutesy fun “theme” for a particular day, but then see it being used elsewhere, do I have to ask that blogger’s permission?

– Bring my Books

Dear Book Nerd,

I loooove books and I read pretty much every kind of book I can get my hands on. I love the literary, high-brow items as much as the next book nerd. BUT I also really love YA. I’m eagerly awaiting the release of “Allegiant” and I’m dying to check out the Mortal Instruments series. I feel so embarrassed, though, for being such a YA fan at my age! Am I overthinking this? Should I tell people who might judge me for reading these books to go mind their own business? How can I get over this feeling of shame for enjoying young adult fiction so much?

– Closeted YA Fan

Dear Book Nerd,

My husband, along with many people I know, reads more than one book at a time. I would like to do that, but I find it hard to keep track of all that is happening in each book. How do people do this?

– One at a Time
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